New England Patriots Links 4/07/11 - Fans Sentenced To More Waiting

Tom E. Curran interviews Leigh Bodden, who says no matter how long the NFL lockout stretches on, the players will hold out successfully. (1.54 min. video)

"As long as it takes," Bodden told CSNNE.com Patriots Insider Tom E. Curran. "It's a business and we have to stand tall and stand tough for what we believe in and for what we want."

"That's definitely what we have to do. Because if we give in, [the owners are] getting what they want and that's not how things need to be."

"Guys just need to be prepared and save money," Bodden said. "Do things that are free. After I get off here [at CSN Washington, where he was taping his segment with Curran via satellite], I'm gonna talk to the producer try to get a job here or something like that."

As the owners and player plaintiffs go to court, Bodden also spoke about the character Tom Brady showed by associating himself with the case.

"It shows what kind of guy he is," Bodden said. "Tom is a great guy. He stands up for everyone. Even though he's one of the top-paid players, one of the most recognized players, he knows it's for the smaller guys that aren't as recognized or make as much money. He's standing up for us and for everybody. It definitely shows what kind of guy he is and what kind of character he has."

Jerry Thornton offers a few offseason thoughts about the Patriots

I’m still trying to wrap my brain around Mike Vrabel getting charged with felony theft at a casino. I’ve still got a ton of respect for Vrabel. Enough to think that if he did do it, he broke into the vault and stole $150 million with the help of a multicultural band of eccentric but clever misfits. You know, the way it was meant to be done.

There’s been some speculation that the beef with the casino was a "misunderstanding" about the number of drinks that were on Vrabel’s tab. Assuming that’s true, here are my first thoughts:

As a general rule, if you’re too drunk to count your drinks, you might want to avoid the blackjack tables.

Vrabel is one of the named plaintiffs in the players’ lawsuit against the owners. And I’m not sure this helps the cause at all. Or I missed that part in Norma Rae where a striking Sally Field gets hammered and gets arrested for beefing with a casino waitress.

It’s comforting to know Vrabel’s friends are as cheap as mine. Athletes truly are just real folk.

TEAM TALK

• Draft Prospect Review: Breaking down the top Offensive Linemen. (17.13 min.)
• Inside the Draft room with Brian Lowe - 4/06/11 (58:53 min.)
• PFW in Progress - 4/05/11. Discussions on a wide variety of offseason topics. (2 hours)

LOCAL LINKS

• Greg A. Bedard reports from Minnesota on what happened at the NFL court hearing yesterday, and what's next for both parties.
• Christopher Price reports the judge will take a couple of weeks to review the lockout case, and the appeals process could take months.
• Tom E. Curran notes that a favorable ruling for the players likely won't 'end' the lockout, since the owners would appeal.
• Mike Reiss previews ESPN's "Brady 6" documentary that will air Tuesday, April 12 (8 P.M. ET). Trailer looks gooooood.
• Mike Reiss analyzes Nolan Nawrocki's draft value chart from a Patriots perspective.
• Mike Reiss analyzes the latest mock drafts of Mel Kiper and Todd McShay and who they selected for the Patriots.
• Mike Reiss analyzes the first mock draft from the National Football Post, and who they select for the Patriots in the first round.
• Jeff Howe says B.C.'s Anthony Castonzo could fill the tackle void if the Patriots move on without Matt Light.
• Tom E. Curran and Mary Paoletti discuss what type of player the Patriots should draft this off season. (3.57 min. video)
• Shalise Manza Young scouts the Draft: DE Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue).
• Tom E. Curran scouts potential Patriots draftees: RB Ryan Williams (Virginia Tech).
• The Providence Journal staff previews the guard position, and who the Patriots may look to draft.
• Christopher Price looks at who was the best seventh-round pick in Patriots history.
• Jerry Thornton takes a spin around the world of sports.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Nolan Nawrocki (Pro Football Weekly) PFW's exclusive draft value chart.
• Dan Pompei (Nat'l Football Post) Why draft boards still are not set.
• Russ Lande (Sporting News) Even in a lockout year, these rookies will contribute quickly.
• Jack Bechta (Nat'l Football Post) Can the Moneyball concept work in the NFL?
• NFP Staff (Nat'l Football Post) NFP Mock Draft 1.0. Patriots select DE Cam Jordan (California) at 17 and trades its 28th pick to Minnesota.
• NFL.com Goodell's call for HGH testing irks Mason; Cromartie OK with it.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Antonio Cromartie supports HGH testing, questions players who don't.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) NFL asks: If figure skaters will submit blood tests, why won't players?
• Chris Chase (Yahoo! Sports) NFL fans say they'll do more yard work if there's no football in fall.
• John P. Lopez (SI) Growing up in an NFL locker room, Cal DE Jordan knows he belongs.
• Daily Mail Reporter (Daily Mail, UK) A mega-mansion fit for a model: Gisele Bundchen's $20 million dream home is coming along nicely.

LABOR LUNACY

• Albert Breer (NFL.com) Judge will take 'couple weeks' to rule on lockout dispute.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Judge Nelson takes case "under advisement," encourages further negotiations.
• Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) Brady, Manning no-show hurts players.
• Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News) Breaking down the NFL's antitrust hearing.
• Doug Farrar (Yahoo! Sports) Early returns: Judge Nelson seems to be on the side of mediation.
• Jason Cole (Yahoo! Sports) Rookie judge in control during lockout hearing.
• Bob Nightengale (USA Today) NFLPA asks federal judge to end 'illegal' lockout in hearing.
• Jarrett Bell (USA Today) NFL's task: Convince judge to butt out of its labor dispute.
• Eric Edholm (Pro Football Weekly) Antitrust lawyer: Players losing injunction might not be all bad.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Judge Nelson could be trying to soften up the league for settlement talks.
• Mike Freeman (CBS Sports) League and players to meet?
• Ralph Vacchiano (NY Daily News) Judge urges NFL, NFLPA to start talking again.
• AP (ESPN) Court adjourned in lockout hearing.